Day Five Report: I hate trains

For the past two nights (and, by all indications, tonight as well), the outdoor campers (of which I am one) have been “serenaded” by the sweet sound of locomotives. Last night (and, again, by all indications, tonight), the trains passed through many nearby intersections, blaring their horns and whistles as they approached each one. I will definitely suggest, for future events, that they avoid towns wiith active railroad lines.

As far as the riding goes, today was great. 72 miles, 4 rest stops, 6 hours (including stops). Many towns/stops have had banners made and have met our arrival with enthusiasm and generosity. Our first stop this morning was not one of these. As far as I can gather, the church that was to be our host had sort of forgotten about it and had scheduled a funeral for this morning. The pastor called the police and threatened to have the already-delivered Porto-Potties impounded. The event organizers quickly rearranged things and set up a replacement stop at a much better place on the route (timing-wise), so it turned out for the best, but was kind of funny, in a sad sort of way.

Later in the day, we found ourselves on the shoulder of a six-lane highway that included a very long hill. Not an experience I would recommend, either for the level of traffic or the length of the incline.

Tomorrow, I must get up and out early if I am going to have time to attempt the 100-mile “Century” option. I expect that, with brief rest stops, it should take me around 8 hours, and I’d like to be dome at a reasonable time, so… G’night!